THE Poundland take over of the old Tesco building in Devizes took a step forward this week with a planning application to Wiltshire Council.

But bizarrely despite the budget store applying for permission for signs to go up on the building in Maryport Street its bosses still refused to confirm it would be coming to Devizes.

A spokesman said that no information could be given out despite posters advertising jobs appearing outside the shop and now the planning application for four giant signs being submitted to Wiltshire Council.

The company would only say: "Due to the popularity of Poundland’s product ranges, the organisation is keen not to raise anticipation for a new store before plans are finalised."

This week Morrisons has been given permission to build an extension that will house a new pharmacy freeing up sales space that it is understood will be used for children's clothes.

The new pharmacy will be built near the main entrance next to the toilets and will allow the existing chemist department to move from the far end of the shop.

Town councillor Albert Wooldridge, who has seen detailed plans for the new layout of Morrisons, said: "I have been told that the far end of the shop where the pharmacy is at the moment will be redesigned and there will be space for children's clothes."

In the planning application for the pharmacy an agent for Morrisons said: "The design of the extension is in keeping with the local site and surrounding environment. The extension will hopefully create increased activity at the store providing increased employment.

"The supermarket extension provides an increased offer from Morrison’s for both the Pharmacy and the slightly

increased sales floor space."

This week a Morrison's spokesman said the Nutmeg range would be coming to Devizes but said the date for when it will arrive has not yet been confirmed.

Another change in Maryport Street is the closing of the H J Johnson china and gift shop at the end of the month. It will be taken over by Just Kidding children's clothing and school wear shop.

Philip Blanchard from Johnsons said: "The jewellery business is not affected. It is just the china shop next door. Our 12 lease on it runs out in two years time and we would have kept going until then but we were approached by Just Kidding and decided it worked well all round. We have lots of closing down bargains."